EP3096192A1

EP3096192A1 - Smart strap for analog wristwatch

Info

Publication number: EP3096192A1
Application number: EP15168113.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tapani Stjernvall; James Rawlings; Aleksi SIEVÄNEN; Osmo Schroderus
Original assignee: IXONOS Oyj
Current assignee: IXONOS Oyj
Priority date: 2015-05-19
Filing date: 2015-05-19
Publication date: 2016-11-23

Abstract

Disclosed is a smart strap, for an analog wristwatch, attachable to the wristwatch via a pin. The smart strap comprises an accelerometer, which accelerometer is coupled to the pin via a mechanical coupling. The mechanical coupling is arranged to convey to the accelerometer movement of mechanics of the wristwatch and movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s, to provide measurement data. The smart strap also comprises communication means configured to communicate the measurement data from the accelerometer to a mobile communication device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an analog wristwatch; and more specifically, to a smart strap for an analog wristwatch. The disclosure also relates to a system and a method for controlling a mobile communication device.

BACKGROUND

Analog or mechanical wristwatches have remained popular even in the digital age because of their craftsmanship. An analog wristwatch is typically a mechanical device, having various mechanical components or mechanics, for example, a second hand, a minute hand, an hour hand and a balance wheel. The mechanics also include additional gears or wheels, gear connectors, shafts, an escapement assembly, a dial indicating numerals and an energy source (generally a spiral spring). The mechanics of the analog wristwatch works in a synchronous manner for indicating a time over the dial with the help of the second hand, the minute hand and the hour hand.
An accuracy of the time indicated by such analog wristwatches primarily depends on the health of the mechanics. Further, since the mechanics are required to function in a continuous (or non-stop) manner, the mechanics with time may be subjected to a wear and tear and such wear and tear may result in inaccuracy in time indication by the analog wristwatches. Generally, such inaccuracy in time indication may not be noticed by a wearer easily unless such inaccuracy is of a great extent.
Additionally, the analog wristwatches are configured to merely indicate time and not to perform any additional function, which may be performed by most of the technically advanced wristwatches present in the market. Specifically, in today's digital age wristwatches may be operable to perform multiple functions, associated with an environment of either or both of the wristwatch and the user. For example, such wristwatches may be equipped with different kind of sensors for performing such multiple functions. Accordingly, an analog wristwatch wearer may need to wear an additional device capable of performing such multiple functions.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of a conventional analog wristwatch.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a smart strap for an analog wristwatch.
The present disclosure also seeks to provide a system for controlling a mobile communication device with an analog wristwatch attached with a smart strap.
The present disclosure also seeks to provide a method for controlling a mobile communication device with an analog wristwatch attached with a smart strap.
In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a smart strap for an analog wristwatch, attachable to the wristwatch via a pin, comprising:

an accelerometer, which accelerometer is coupled to the pin via a mechanical coupling, the mechanical coupling being arranged to convey to the accelerometer
- movement of mechanics of the wristwatch, and
- movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s
  to provide measurement data; and
communication means configured to communicate the measurement data from the accelerometer to a mobile communication device.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for controlling a mobile communication device, comprising a mobile communication device, an analog wristwatch and a smart strap for the analog wristwatch, wherein the mobile communication device is configured to

receive measurement data communicated by the smart strap,
analyse the measurement data to identify data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s,
categorise the identified measurement data from movement of the wristwatch according to the nature of the movement to obtain categorised measurement data, and
use the categorised measurement data to control the mobile communication device.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a mobile communication device with an analog wristwatch, the wristwatch being attached to a smart strap, wherein

the smart strap
- detects movement of mechanics of the wristwatch and movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s, to provide measurement data, and
- communicates the measurement data to a mobile communication device,
the mobile communication device
- receives measurement data communicated by the smart strap,
- analyses the measurement data to identify data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s,
- categorises the identified measurement data from movement of the wristwatch according to the nature of the movement to obtain categorised measurement data, and
- uses the categorised measurement data to control the mobile communication device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and provides a smart strap for an analog wristwatch such that the analog wristwatch achieves other functionalities apart from mere time measurement.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1: is a schematic illustration of a system for controlling a mobile communication device with an analog wristwatch having a smart strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2: is a perspective view of an analog wristwatch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 3A-B: are schematic illustrations of an analog wristwatch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4: is a schematic illustration of an analog wristwatch having a smart strap, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 5: is an illustration of steps of a method for controlling a mobile communication device with an analog wristwatch attached to a smart strap, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a smart strap for an analog wristwatch, attachable to the wristwatch via a pin. The smart strap comprises an accelerometer, which accelerometer is coupled to the pin via a mechanical coupling. The mechanical coupling is arranged to convey to the accelerometer movement of mechanics of the wristwatch and movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s, to provide measurement data. The smart strap also comprises communication means configured to communicate the measurement data from the accelerometer to a mobile communication device.
In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for controlling a mobile communication device. The system comprises a mobile communication device, an analog wristwatch and a smart strap for the analog wristwatch. The mobile communication device is configured to receive measurement data communicated by the smart strap, analyse the measurement data to identify data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s, categorise the identified measurement data from movement of the wristwatch according to the nature of the movement to obtain categorised measurement data, and use the categorised measurement data to control the mobile communication device.
In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a mobile communication device with an analog wristwatch. The wristwatch is attached to a smart strap. The smart strap detects movement of mechanics of the wristwatch and movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s, to provide measurement data, and communicates the measurement data to a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device receives measurement data communicated by the smart strap; analyses the measurement data to identify data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s; categorises the identified measurement data from movement of the wristwatch according to the nature of the movement to obtain categorised measurement data; and uses the categorised measurement data to control the mobile communication device.
The present disclosure primarily relates to a smart strap for an analog wristwatch or an analog wristwatch having such smart strap.
The analog wristwatch of the present disclosure is a mechanical device having various mechanical components or mechanics. For example, the mechanics comprise a second hand, a minute hand, an hour hand and a balance wheel. The mechanics also include additional gears or wheels, gear connectors, shafts, an escapement assembly, a circular dial indicating numerals and an energy source (generally a spiral spring). In one embodiment, the analog wristwatch may include a battery as the energy source. In operation, the mechanics of the analog wristwatch work in a synchronous manner for indicating the time over the dial with the help of the second hand, the minute hand and the hour hand.
In an embodiment, a body of the smart strap is made of leather or a durable plastic material. Specifically, the body of the smart strap is made of a material such that the accelerometer and the communication means can be suitably arranged or housed within the body of the smart strap. For example, the accelerometer and the communication means may be sandwiched or arranged with the help of glue inside the body of the smart strap. Further, the body of the smart strap is made of a material which is flexible in nature and compatible to human skin.
The smart strap is attachable to the wristwatch via the pin. Specifically, the smart strap is adapted to be attached to lugs arranged on a casing or body of the wristwatch. In an embodiment, the pin may be a spring loaded element adapted to be received by openings arranged on the lugs. Further, the pin may be removably inserted into the openings of the lugs for detachably coupling the smart strap with the casing of the wristwatch.
As mentioned above, the smart strap comprises an accelerometer. In an embodiment, the smart strap includes a single accelerometer arranged within the body of the smart strap. Alternatively, the smart strap may comprise more than one accelerometer, such as two or three accelerometer arranged on different parts of the body of the smart strap.
The accelerometer is coupled to the pin via the mechanical coupling. In an embodiment, the mechanical coupling is in the form of a structure connected to the pin and into which structure the accelerometer is inmolded. Specifically, the structure (for example a flat rectangular piece) is made of a material having sufficient structural integrity such that the accelerometer may be suitably inmolded within the structure. For example, the structure may be made of plastic, rubber, metal or any combination thereof. Further, the structure may be arranged on an end portion of the smart strap, coupled to the casing of the wristwatch. Specifically, the structure can be arranged (or sandwiched) at the end portion of the smart strap body by moulding, gluing or stitching the structure at the end portion.
In an embodiment, the structure comprises an opening for inserting the pin. Specifically, the opening may be provided on the structure with the help of a hollow cylindrical element coupled to the structure. Further, the opening, particularly the hollow cylindrical element, is arranged at the end portion of the smart strap body such that the pin can be received through the opening for coupling the smart strap end to the casing of the wristwatch.
According to an embodiment, the accelerometer is arranged on the smart strap asymmetrically with respect to a central axis 'A' of the smart strap. For example, the accelerometer is inmolded within the structure and away from a central axis of the structure. It is to be understood that the central axis A of the smart strap is in line with the central axis of the structure, and the accelerometer is positioned asymmetrically with respect to such central axis. The asymmetrical arrangement of the accelerometer on the smart strap enables the accelerometer to efficiently provide data, i.e. to easily detect movement from a waveform of an acceleration signal. Specifically, the asymmetrically arranged accelerometer is positioned away from the central axis, and therefore any movement about the central axis can be efficiently detected by looking at the amplitude (corresponding to the movement) of the waveform of the acceleration signal. For example, when the accelerometer is present on the central axis, in such instance any left or right movement about the central axis may induce a rotational movement in the accelerometer, which may cause the data calculation challenging for the microcontroller (as the waveform of the acceleration signal may not include distinct amplitudes, i.e. peaks or valleys). However, the asymmetrically arranged accelerometer on the smart strap may induce more vertical movement, with any left or right movement about the central axis, which can be efficiently detected by looking at the amplitudes of the waveform of the acceleration signal.
The mechanical coupling is arranged to convey accelerometer measurement data from movement of mechanics of the wristwatch, and movement of the wristwatch. In an embodiment, the movement of the mechanics includes movement of the second hand, the minute hand, the hour hand and the balance wheel. Specifically, for the accelerometer to sense such movement of the mechanics, the accelerometer senses minute vibrations (which causes a 'ticking sound' of the wristwatch) made by the balance wheel. Alternatively, the movement of the wristwatch may include any movement of the casing of the wristwatch when a force (such as tap or press) is applied on the casing.
According to an embodiment, the movement related to the mechanics and/or the movement of the wristwatch is conveyed to the accelerometer by the mechanical coupling. As mentioned herein, the structure along with the opening is coupled to the casing of the wristwatch with the pin, therefore the movements of mechanics and/or the casing of the wristwatch may be initially conveyed to the pin. Thereafter, the movement is further conveyed to the opening of the structure to finally reach the accelerometer (inmolded in the structure). This allows the accelerometer to provide the accelerometer measurement data, from the movement of the mechanics and/or the wristwatch, conveyed by the mechanical coupling.
Further, the accelerometer is arranged to detect data, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s (seconds). Specifically, the accelerometer measurement data based on the movement of the mechanics and/or the wristwatch should be capable of being measured by the accelerometer. For example, the absolute value of acceleration of the movement can be 0.05 G and may have duration of 0.5 seconds. Further, the absolute value of acceleration may include a periodic absolute value, i.e. a predetermined G value occurring after a predetermined time.
As mentioned above, the smart strap also includes communication means configured to communicate the measurement data from the accelerometer to the mobile communication device. In an embodiment, the mobile communication device may include but is not limited to smart phones, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), tablet computers, Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers (UMPCs), phablet computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), web pads, Personal Computers (PCs), handheld PCs, laptop computers and smart televisions. Further, the communication means may include but not limited to means for communicating using Bluetooth Low Energy or WiFi.
In one embodiment, the smart strap is equipped with all necessary electronic components that facilitate in establishing a communication between the smart strap and the mobile communication. For example, the smart strap also comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a power source (such as a battery), a microcontroller, a memory, a communication circuitry and an antenna. The smart strap may also include output means, which may include but are not limited to a display (for example Eink, OLED, TFT, and LCD), a vibration element, a speaker and a lighting element.
In an embodiment, the smart strap also includes at least one sensor different from the accelerometer, i.e. a further sensor. For example, the at least one sensor different from the accelerometer is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a gyroscope, a heartbeat sensor, a blood oxygen saturation sensor, an ultraviolet (UV) radiation sensor, an ambient light sensor, a microphone, a magnetic field sensor and a force sensor. Additionally, the at least one sensor may include, a biometric sensor, a barometric, an infrared (IR) radiation sensor, a sound pressure level sensor, a humidity sensor and the like. The plurality of sensors may be configured to sense additional data associated with an environment of the wristwatch and/or the user.
In an embodiment, the smart strap is capable of processing the measurement data from the sensors (for example the measurement data from the accelerometer). For example, the microcontroller of the smart strap may be configured to process the measurement data from the sensors. In such instance, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the microcontroller of the smart strap may be operable to execute various algorithms for processing the measurement data from the sensors.
In an embodiment, the measurement data from the accelerometer may be used for determining an accuracy of the time indicated by the analog wristwatch. Specifically, the accelerometer senses movement of the mechanics, i.e. the minute vibration signals which causes the ticking sound of the balance wheel. The ticking sound is repetitive in nature and in the range of the 4-12 Hertz. In an embodiment, such minute vibration signals (i.e. ticking sound) may be filtered using for example a Kalman filtering algorithm, which may be executed in the microcontroller of the smart strap. Further, the microcontroller of the smart strap is operable to measure the number of the ticking sound made by the mechanics of the analog wristwatch. Thereafter, the microcontroller may compare the number of the ticking sound with reading of a quartz based oscillator or a phase-locked loop clock of the microcontroller. In case there is any variation in the compared measurement the wearer of the analog wristwatch may be notified about such variation, which may represent inaccuracy in the time indication by the analog wristwatch. In an embodiment, such variation may be notified to the wearer using the output means, such as the display, present on the smart strap.
According to an embodiment, the mobile communication device is configured to identify and categorise the measurement data into data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is less than 0.05 G or the duration of the movement is over 0.5 s. According to another embodiment, the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is less than 0.04 G, or less than 0.03 G or the duration of the movement is over 0.6 s or over 0.7 s or over 0.8 s or over 0.9 s or over 1 s.
In another embodiment, the mobile communication device is configured to identify and categorise the measurement data into data from the mechanics of the wristwatch. Specifically, the movement of the mechanics (i.e. the minute vibration signals) may be identified and categorised by the mobile communication device based on the measurement data from the accelerometer communicated by the smart strap. Thereafter, a vibration signal filtering algorithm, such as the Kalman filtering algorithm, may be executed on a processing unit of the mobile communication device for identifying and categorising the measurement data into data from the mechanics of the wristwatch. Further, the mobile communication device is also adapted to determine accuracy of the time indicated by the analog wristwatch, and to notify any inaccuracy related to such time indication over a display of the mobile communication device.
In one embodiment, the measurement data from the accelerometer may be used for determining mechanical shocks experienced by the analog wristwatch. The mechanical shocks are high acceleration signals, and the accelerometer may detect such high acceleration signals based on a pre-determined value. For example, the microcontroller of the smart strap may be configured to notify the user about a mechanical shock when the accelerometer senses such pre-determined value of the acceleration signals. The mechanical shocks may include an amplitude of about 10 G in the waveform of the acceleration signal.
In another embodiment, the smart strap may be used for controlling the mobile communication device. For example, the mobile communication device is configured to receive measurement data communicated by the smart strap, and analyse the measurement data to identify data from movement of the wristwatch. Thereafter, the mobile communication device is configured to categorise the identified measurement data from movement of the wristwatch according to the nature of the movement to obtain categorised measurement data and use the categorised measurement data to control the mobile communication device.
In an embodiment, the mobile communication device is configured to analyse the measurement data to identify data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s. Alternatively, the mobile communication device is configured to identify and categorise the measurement data into data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is less than 0.05 G or the duration of the movement is over 0.5 s.
In an embodiment, the categorization of the measurement data into data from movement of the wristwatch is based on the nature of the movements that wristwatch experiences. For example, the wristwatch may be moved by tapping on the casing of wristwatch. Further, such movement of tapping on the wristwatch may differ based on the number of tapping, such as a single tap or multiple taps (such as two or three taps). Moreover, the movement of the wristwatch may differ based on tapping done at different areas of the casing. For example, if a user taps at an area of the casing proximate to the accelerometer (which is for example inmolded at an end portion of the smart strap), the accelerometer may initially sense downward movement and thereafter an upward movement. Similarly, if the user taps at an area away from to the accelerometer, the accelerometer may initially sense upwards movement and thereafter a downward movement.
According to another embodiment, the nature of the movement of the wristwatch is based on pressing the wristwatch. For example, if the user presses continuously for a short time period in the area proximate to the accelerometer, the accelerometer may sense a continuous downward movement and thereafter an upward movement. Similarly, if the user presses continuously for a short time period in the area away from the accelerometer, the accelerometer may sense a continuous upward movement and thereafter a downward movement. Additionally, the nature of the movement of the wristwatch is based on shaking a wrist by the user either gently or moderately. Therefore, based on such nature of the movements, the accelerometer may sense different absolute value having 0.05 G and/or 0.5 s.
In an embodiment, the mobile communication device is configured to categorise such different nature of the movements (experienced by the wristwatch) using a filtering algorithm. Specifically, the processing unit of the mobile communication device is operable to execute such filtering algorithm to identify different measured absolute value corresponding to the different nature of the movements of the wristwatch. For example, if the casing of the wristwatch is subjected to a single tap an acceleration signal may have an amplitude representing over 0.05 G acceleration for a period less than 0.5 s in a waveform of the acceleration signal. Similarly, if the casing of the wristwatch is subjected to the multiple taps (at a single area or at different areas) or long press or shaking, the acceleration signal may have multiple peaks in the waveforms of the acceleration signal, which may be detected using signal processing algorithms, respectively.
In an embodiment, such categorised measurement data is used to control the mobile communication device. Specifically, based on the different nature of the movements (experienced by the wristwatch) the mobile communication device may be fed with different control command. For example, if a user taps continuously at a particular area (proximate to the accelerometer) on the casing (i.e. at a glass present over the dial) of the wristwatch, the volume of a mobile communication device (such as a smart phone) may increase. Similarly, if a user taps continuously at an area (away from the accelerometer) the volume of the smart phone may decrease. Further, if the user shakes the wrist gently for a single time an orientation of a display of the smart phone may change. Additionally, if the user shakes the wrist moderately for multiple times the smart phone may be turned on or turned off. Therefore, it may be evident to those skilled in the art that a mobile communication device (such as the smart phone) may be fed with different control commands based on different absolute values of acceleration sensed or measured by the accelerometer, and which is further categorised based on nature of the movement of the wristwatch.
In an embodiment, the processing (such as analysing and categorization) of the measurement data from the accelerometer (or other sensors present in the smart strap) is largely performed on the processing unit of the mobile communication device as compared to the microcontroller of the smart strap. Alternatively, the processing of the measurement data from the accelerometer may be performed entirely on the processing unit of the mobile communication device. Additionally, the processing of the measurement data from the sensors may be performed entirely on the microcontroller of the smart strap.
According to an embodiment, the smart strap or the analog wristwatch (having such smart strap) may be used for various other functions. For example, the categorised measurement data of the accelerometer may be used for tracking physical movement of the user. For example, the user may track a time and/or a distance the user has walked or ran in a day or a week (based on the categorised measurement data of the accelerometer).
In another embodiment, the smart strap or the analog wristwatch may be used for monitoring health parameters of the user. For example, the smart strap may be equipped with at least one health parameter monitoring sensor, such as a heartbeat sensor and a blood oxygen saturation sensor, for providing health parameters related information to the user.
In another embodiment, the smart strap of the analog wristwatch may be used of making payment at a merchant terminal. Specifically, the smart strap may be equipped with a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna and an EMV chip for wireless payments at the merchant terminal.
In an embodiment, the analog wristwatch may include a single smart strap attachable to the casing of the wristwatch. Further, another strap of the analog wristwatch may be a conventional strap (i.e. non- smart in nature). Alternatively, both straps ofthe analog wristwatch may be configured to be smart straps.
In one embodiment, both straps (at least one being smart strap) of the analog wristwatch are connected to each other with help of a locking means. The locking means may include a pin arrangement (either made of plastic or metal) coupled to an end portion of one strap, and a plurality of holes configured on another strap. The pin arrangement may be adjustably engaged to one hole of the plurality of holes for adjustably securing the analog wristwatch to a wrist of the wearer.
The present disclosure provides a smart strap for an analog wristwatch and an analog wristwatch (having such smart strap), which enables the analog wristwatch to perform multiple functions, apart from merely measuring the time. For example, the analog wristwatch (particularly the smart strap) enables monitoring or determining an accuracy of the time indicated by the analog wristwatch (based on the movement of mechanics sensed by the smart strap). Further, the smart strap enables determining whether the analog wristwatch has been subjected to any mechanical shocks (based on the movement of wristwatch sensed by the smart strap). Moreover, the analog wristwatch enables controlling a mobile communication device based on nature of the movements experienced by the wristwatch. Specifically, the analog wristwatch enables controlling or operating the mobile communication device at application level. This avoids an analog wristwatch wearer to wear any additional device capable of providing such additional functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a system 100 for controlling a mobile communication device 102 with an analog wristwatch 104 having a smart strap 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the mobile communication device 102 is a smart phone. The analog wristwatch 104 also includes a normal strap 108 and a casing 110. The straps 106, 108 are attached to the casing 110 of the analog wristwatch 104. The smart strap 106 includes an accelerometer 112 and a communication means 114 connected to each other by a wire (or a data bus) 116. The accelerometer 112, the communication means 114 and the wire 116 are arranged inside a body 118 of the smart strap 106, and shown with the dotted lines.
The accelerometer 112 is configured to derive or measure accelerometer measurement data from movement of mechanics (not shown) of the analog wristwatch 104, and movement of the analog wristwatch 104. The smart strap 106 of the analog wristwatch 104 is configured to communicate with the mobile communication device 102. Specifically, the communication means 114 is configured to establish a communication network 120 between the smart strap 106 and the mobile communication device 102 for communicating the measurement data from the accelerometer 112 to the mobile communication device 102. Based on the measurement data from the accelerometer 112, an accuracy of time indicated by the analog wristwatch 104 is monitored and the mobile communication device 102 is controlled.
Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a perspective view of an analog wristwatch, such as the analog wristwatch 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the analog wristwatch 104 includes the smart strap 106, the normal strap 108 and the casing 110. The casing includes at least one control tabs, such as control tabs 202a, 202b, 202c, for controlling the function (particularly, the mechanics) of the analog wristwatch 104. The casing 110 also includes lugs 212, 214 coupled to end portions 216, 218 of the straps 106, 108, respectively, using pins (not shown).
Further, the straps 106, 108 are shown connected to each other with a locking means 220. The locking means 220 includes a pin arrangement 222 coupled to an end portion 224 of the smart strap 106. The locking means 220 also includes a plurality of holes, such as holes 226a, 226b and 226c, configured on the normal strap 108. The pin arrangement 222 is adjustably engaged to one hole (such as the hole 226b) for adjustably securing the analog wristwatch 104 to a wrist of a wearer. The analog wristwatch 104 also includes at least one loop, such as loops 230a, 230b, arranged on the smart strap 106 for supporting an end portion 232 of the normal strap 108, when the analog wristwatch 104 is worn at the wrist of the wearer.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A-B, illustrated are schematic illustrations of an analog wristwatch, such as the analog wristwatch 104, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Specifically, FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a side and a top view of the analog wristwatch 104, respectively, for showing attachment of the smart strap 106 with the casing 110, and mechanics 300 of the analog wristwatch 104 housed within the casing 110.
As shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the smart strap 106 is attached to the casing 110 ofthe analog wristwatch 104 via a pin 302. Further, the accelerometer 112 is coupled to the pin 302 via a mechanical coupling, which is in the form of a structure 304. Specifically, the structure 304 includes an opening 306 through which the pin 302 is inserted for attaching the smart strap 106 with the casing 110. Similarly, another pin 310 is inserted through an opening 312 of the normal strap 108 for attaching the normal strap 108 with the casing 110 of the analog wristwatch 104.
FIGS. 3A-B further illustrate the mechanics 300 housed within the casing 110 of the analog wristwatch 104. As shown, the mechanics 300 includes a second hand 320, a minute hand 322, an hour hand 324 and a balance wheel 326. The mechanics 300 also includes additional gears or wheels, such as gears 330; and shafts, such as shafts 340, supporting the balance wheel 326 and the gears 330 thereon (shown in FIG. 3A). The mechanics 300 also include gear connectors, such as connectors 350, for transferring motion between the gears 330 (shown in FIG. 3A). The mechanics 300 of the analog wristwatch 104 works in a synchronous manner for indicating a time over a dial 360 with the help of the second hand 320, the minute hand 322 and the hour hand 324. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the mechanics 300 may include various other components, such as a spiral spring, an escapement assembly and the like, which are not shown in the FIGS. 3A-B.
Further, FIG. 3B illustrates the accelerometer 112 arranged on the smart strap 106 asymmetrically with respect to a central axis A of the smart strap 106. The mechanical coupling (i.e. the structure 304 and the opening 306) accordingly is arranged to convey accelerometer measurement data from the movement of mechanics 300 and the movement of the analog wristwatch 104. Specifically, the movement of the mechanics 300 and the analog wristwatch 104 is initially conveyed to the pin 302 through the casing 110, thereafter the movement is conveyed to the opening 306 of the structure 304 to finally reach the accelerometer 112 (inmolded in the structure 304).
Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a schematic illustration of an analog wristwatch 400 having a smart strap 402, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the smart strap 402 includes two accelerometers, such as accelerometers 410, 412. The accelerometers 410, 412 are operatively coupled to each other by a data bus 414. Further, the accelerometers 410, 412 are inmolded into a structure 420. The structure 420 includes an opening 422 through which a pin 424 is inserted for attaching the smart strap 402 with a casing 430 of the analog wristwatch 400. The smart strap 402 also includes an electronic circuit 440
(embedded with a plurality of electronic components, such as, a microcontroller, a memory, an antenna, an output means and at least one sensor different from the accelerometer). The smart strap 402 also includes a power source 442 for providing required electrical power to the electronic circuit 440 and the accelerometers 410, 412. For example, the electronic circuit 440 and the accelerometers 410, 412 are operatively coupled to the power source 442 by data buses 444, 446, respectively. Further, the electronic circuit 440 is operatively coupled to the accelerometers 410, 412 with data buses 450, 452, respectively.
The casing 430 of the analog wristwatch 400 is further shown to include a glass cover 460 (for a dial, not shown). The glass cover 460 is divided into various segments or areas, such as segments 462, 464, 466 and 468, on which a user can tap to provide different control commands for controlling a mobile communication device, such as the mobile communication device 102 shown in FIG. 1.
Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated are steps of a method 500 for controlling a mobile communication device with an analog wristwatch attached to a smart strap, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the method 500 illustrates the steps of controlling a mobile communication device (such as the mobile communication device 102) with an analog wristwatch (such as the analog wristwatches 104, 400) attached with a smart strap (such as smart strap 106, 402), explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1-4.
At step 502, movement of a wristwatch is detected, when an absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s.
At step 504, measurement data is communicated to a mobile communication device.
At step 506, the measurement data is analysed to identify data from movement of the wristwatch.
At step 508, the identified measurement data from movement of the wristwatch is categorised according to the nature of the movement to obtain categorised measurement data.
At step 510, the categorised measurement data is used to control the mobile communication device.
The steps 502 to 510 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method 500 further includes detecting movement of mechanics of the wristwatch, when an absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s. Further, the method 500 includes identifying and categorising the measurement data into data from the mechanics of the wristwatch by one of the smart strap or the mobile communication device.
Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

A smart strap (106, 402) for an analog wristwatch (104), attachable to the wristwatch via a pin (302, 424), comprising:
- an accelerometer (112, 410, 412), which accelerometer is coupled to the pin via a mechanical coupling (304), the mechanical coupling being arranged to convey to the accelerometer
- movement of mechanics (300) of the wristwatch, and

- movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s
to provide measurement data; and

- communication means (114) configured to communicate the measurement data from the accelerometer to a mobile communication device.
A smart strap according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical coupling (304) is in the form of a structure (402) connected to the pin (302, 424) and into which structure the accelerometer (112, 410, 412) is inmolded.
A smart strap according to claim 2, wherein the structure comprises an opening (422) for inserting the pin.
A smart strap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the accelerometer (112, 410, 412) is arranged on the smart strap (106, 402) asymmetrically with respect to a central axis A of the smart strap.
A smart strap according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of
- a power source (442),

- a microcontroller,

- a memory,

- a communication circuitry,

- an antenna,

- output means, and

- at least one sensor different from the accelerometer.
A smart strap according to claim 5, wherein the at least one sensor different from the accelerometer is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a gyroscope, a heartbeat sensor, a blood oxygen saturation sensor, an ultraviolet radiation sensor, an ambient light sensor, a microphone, a magnetic field sensor and a force sensor.
A smart strap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanics (300) of the wristwatch comprise a second hand (320), a minute hand (322), an hour hand (324) and a balance wheel (326) of the wristwatch.
A system for controlling a mobile communication device, comprising a mobile communication device (102), an analog wristwatch (104) and a smart strap (106, 402) for the analog wristwatch according to any of the claims 1-7, wherein the mobile communication device is configured to
- receive measurement data communicated by the smart strap,

- analyse the measurement data to identify data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s,

- categorise the identified measurement data from movement of the wristwatch according to the nature of the movement to obtain categorised measurement data, and

- use the categorised measurement data to control the mobile communication device.
A system according to claim 8, wherein the mobile communication device (102) is further configured to identify and categorise the measurement data into data from movement of the wristwatch (104), when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is less than 0.05 G or the duration of the movement is over 0.5 s.
A system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mobile communication device (102) is further configured to identify and categorise the measurement data into data from the mechanics (300) of the wristwatch (104).
A method for controlling a mobile communication device with an analog wristwatch, the wristwatch being attached to a smart strap according to any of the claims 1-7, wherein
- the smart strap
- detects movement of mechanics of the wristwatch and movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s, to provide measurement data, and

- communicates the measurement data to a mobile communication device,

- the mobile communication device
- receives measurement data communicated by the smart strap,

- analyses the measurement data to identify data from movement of the wristwatch, when the absolute value of acceleration of the movement is at least 0.05 G and the duration of the movement is at most 0.5 s,

- categorises the identified measurement data from movement of the wristwatch according to the nature of the movement to obtain categorised measurement data, and

- uses the categorised measurement data to control the mobile communication device.
A method according to claim 11, wherein the mobile communication device is further configured to identify and categorise the measurement data into data from the mechanics of the wristwatch.